Correlational Characteristics of Hoof Conformation and Midstance Kinetics at Walk.
Abstract: Variations in hoof conformation may alter stress distribution, thus predisposing horses to pathologies and lameness; however, experimental studies are scarce. Our objective was to investigate the correlation between midstance hoof kinetics at the walk and hoof conformation in horses. Nine clinically sound, unshod horses were walked over a pressure plate, and force (F), contact area (CA), contact pressure (CP), and peak contact pressure (PCP) were recorded at the dorsal, palmar, medial, and lateral regions, as well as for the whole hoof. By using digital radiography and digital pictures, 55 variables of internal and external hoof shape and dimensions of the hoof were measured. Correlations between kinetic and anatomical measurements were investigated using Pearson correlation coefficient. P-values ≤ 0.05 and r values ≥ 0.5 were considered. Several anatomical variables showed correlations with biomechanical variables. Toe angle was negatively correlated with CA (r = -0.72). Several heel height measurements were negatively correlated with dorsal F (-0.59 ≤ r ≤ -0.50), suggesting a trend. Measurements of the dorsal hoof wall thickness and length/width of the distal phalanx showed correlations with F and CP (0.5 ≤ r ≤ 0.71). Our study was focused on midstance biomechanics and at the walk; further investigation on other gaits and parts of the stance phases is warranted. Patterns of correlations between internal structural arrangement and hoof kinetic parameters encourage more research and should be considered by veterinarian and farriers for routine and therapeutic trimming/shoeing.
Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2020-08-13 PubMed ID: 33077100DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103208Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
Summary
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This research article investigates the relationship between hoof shape and configurations, and the distribution of stress (hoof kinetics) during the standing phase of a horse’s walk. The findings highlight some correlations between these factors which could influence common horse pathologies such as lameness.
Research Methodology
- The study involved nine healthy, unshod horses that were walked over a pressure plate to collect data.
- During this experiment, measurements for force (F), contact area (CA), contact pressure (CP), and peak contact pressure (PCP) were taken at different parts of the hoof (dorsal, palmar, medial, and lateral regions) and for the hoof overall.
- Digital radiography and digital photos were used to quantify 55 variables of internal and external hoof shape and dimensions.
- The correlation between the collected kinetics and anatomical observations were then evaluated using the Pearson correlation coefficient.
- The standards for significant results were set at P-values less than or equal to 0.05 and r values greater than or equal to 0.5.
Key Findings
- Various conformational traits showed significant correlations with biomechanical variables. An example of such a correlation was the negative relation observed between the toe angle and the contact area.
- Several measures of heel height had a negative correlation with dorsal force, indicating a possible trend.
- Measurements of the thickness of the dorsal hoof wall and the length/width of the distal phalanx (the bone inside a horse’s hoof) showed significant correlations with force and contact pressure.
Implications & Future Avenues
- The study primarily focused on the midstance phase of a horse’s walk. Subsequent research is called for to investigate other phases and gaits.
- The patterns found, concerning the correlation between internal structural configurations of hooves and their kinetics, encourage further study.
- The findings can be useful to veterinarians and farriers (specialists in horse hoof care) during routine care as well as during therapeutic trimming or shoeing of horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Faramarzi B, Hung F, Dong F.
(2020).
Correlational Characteristics of Hoof Conformation and Midstance Kinetics at Walk.
J Equine Vet Sci, 94, 103208.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2020.103208 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA. Electronic address: bfaramarzi@westernu.edu.
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA.
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Biomechanical Phenomena
- Gait
- Hoof and Claw / diagnostic imaging
- Horses
- Kinetics
- Walking
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